Tooling

Tooling

Tools Used With Solid Surface

You can complete the majority of solid surface projects using simple woodworking tools, such as a router, random orbit sander, circular saw, bar clamps, hot glue gun, adhesive dispensing gun and a straight edge/rip fence. Of course, many more expensive, professional-grade industry tools exist, but we’ve done our best to show you how to work with solid surface using basic tools. Here they are:

Router

A router is typically used for putting the finishing touch on edges that are to be seamed, for creating the final edge profile or creating a curved piece with a template used as a guide.

Straight Edge

Choose a straight edge that is long enough to be clamped at each end to the material and is thick enough to easily guide the router. TIP: if you don’t have such a straight edge, you can use a long level or any other stiff, thick straight item.

Hot Melt Glue Gun

The hot melt glue gun is used to secure clamping blocks to the material during the seaming process.

Random Orbit Sander and Abrasive Kits

Random orbit sanders are used for sanding the surfaces to the finish that is desired—flat through high gloss. An inline sander or belt sander will leave visible sanding marks and is not recommended for a final finish.